Balogun was initially sent off for foul play during the United States’ 2-0 Round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA overturned the decision. Belgium challenged that, but FIFA dismissed the protest as inadmissible while UEFA criticized the ruling as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”
The ruling has drawn added attention after President Donald Trump defended urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun’s red card, fueling questions over whether political pressure played a role in the decision.
Separately, Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of lifting the World Cup came to an end after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain, as Mikel Merino struck late to send his country into the quarterfinals.
U.S. vs Belgium
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United States fans hold a sign in the stands before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium.
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Referee Raphael Claus shows Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
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Portugal vs Spain
Mikel Merino #6 of Spain celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.
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Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after the goal scored by Mikel Merino of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium.
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